Shopping at Costco seems pretty straightforward. Grab an oversized cart, work your way through the warehouse, and somehow leave with enough toilet paper to last six months and at least three things that weren’t on your list.
But longtime Costco shoppers tend to pick up a few things along the way. From understanding those mysterious price tags to knowing when to shop and which deals deserve a second look, a little strategy can make your membership go much further.
Some of these tips can save you money, while others simply make navigating a packed warehouse a little easier. Here are 14 Costco shopping tricks worth knowing before your next run.
Try Shopping Midweek
A Saturday afternoon Costco run can feel like you’ve arrived along with everyone else in town. If your schedule allows, try a weekday instead, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, when warehouses may be less hectic than on weekends.
Split Those Giant Packages
A bargain isn’t really a bargain if half of it expires before you can use it. Consider splitting oversized packages of produce, snacks, pantry staples, and household supplies with a friend or relative so you can get the warehouse price without filling every cabinet in your house.
Compare Prices Before Making a Big Purchase
Costco can have excellent prices, but the warehouse price isn’t automatically the lowest price available. Before buying a television, appliance, furniture, or another expensive item, compare prices and included benefits so you know whether you’re actually getting the better deal.
Understand the Return Policy Before You Buy
Costco has a generous return policy, but that doesn’t mean you can return every product indefinitely. Certain categories, particularly electronics, have specific restrictions, so check the policy when making an expensive purchase rather than assuming everything follows the same rules.
Walk More Than Just Your Usual Aisles
It’s easy to develop the same Costco route and completely miss products elsewhere in the warehouse. Inventory changes frequently, so an occasional walk through areas you normally skip can uncover markdowns, seasonal items, and limited-stock products you wouldn’t otherwise see.
Shop Seasonal Merchandise Earlier Than You Think
Costco tends to bring seasonal merchandise out well before the actual holiday or season arrives. If there’s something specific you want, shopping early usually gives you a better selection instead of waiting and discovering your favorite items have disappeared.
Costco Gas
If your warehouse has a gas station, compare its fuel prices with nearby stations before filling up somewhere else. The difference may seem small per gallon, but regular fill-ups can make those savings more meaningful over a year.
Pay Attention to Prices Ending in .97
Those numbers on Costco price signs aren’t always random. An item ending in .97 is generally a markdown from its original price, so it’s worth paying attention when something you’ve been considering suddenly gets that ending.
Look for the Asterisk on the Price Sign
See a small asterisk in the upper-right corner of a Costco price sign? Shoppers often call it the “death star” because it typically means the item isn’t currently scheduled to be restocked, so waiting until your next visit could mean missing it altogether.
Check the Gift Cards Before Paying Full Price Elsewhere
Costco sells gift cards and certificates for restaurants, entertainment, travel, and other businesses for less than their face value. If you’re already planning to spend money at one of those places, buying the discounted card first is an easy way to create your own discount.
Give Kirkland Signature a Chance
Don’t automatically assume the national brand is better simply because you recognize the name on the package. Costco’s Kirkland Signature line includes everything from pantry staples to household products, and the lower price can make trying the store brand worthwhile.
Check the Costco App Before You Leave Home
A few minutes on the Costco app can save you from wandering the aisles trying to remember what was on sale. Check current savings and make your shopping list before heading to the warehouse so you’re less likely to miss a deal you actually needed.
Know Which Services May Be Available Without a Membership
You don’t necessarily need a Costco membership to access every service associated with the warehouse, although rules can vary by service and location. Pharmacy access, for example, may be available to nonmembers, so check your local warehouse before assuming membership is required.
Shop With a Member Before Buying Your Own Membership
If you’re unsure whether you’ll shop at Costco enough to justify joining, visit with a friend or family member who already has a membership and see what you would realistically buy. Walking the warehouse once can tell you much more than signing up because you’ve heard everyone else loves it.
